CCNS is an entry-level advanced practice certification that was granted to nurses educated as clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) providing care to acutely and/or critically ill adult, pediatric or neonatal patients. The CCNS is available as a renewal option only.

The Consensus Model-based ACCNS-AG, ACCNS-P and ACCNS-N exams are available for those educated at the graduate level as clinical nurse specialists across the spectrum from wellness through acute care focused on the adult-gerontology, pediatric or neonatal patient population.